Meet Growthwright: Kandace MacDonald, HR Generalist

14 Questions with Kandace MacDonald HR Generalist

Do you know where the best chocolate treat in Nashville is? Kandace knows. (It’s the cinder toffee at Tempered Café & Chocolate – yum!) One of the most pleasant and personable people you’ll ever meet, Kandace has made a big impact on our growing human resources team since joining Growthwright in February.

Kandace was born in New York and grew up in Avondale-Decatur, Ga., before landing in Nashville a few years ago to attend Tennessee State University. A serious foodie, she comes from a big family with three brothers and 10 nieces and nephews and now calls the trendy Buchanan Arts District home. What else should you know about Kandace? Let’s find out!

1.What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

When I first started college (Dillard University in New Orleans), I majored in architecture. I’ve always been interested in buildings, especially the structural aspect that allows them to endure for years and years. Who knows what would have happened if Hurricane Katrina hadn’t changed my plans, but I’m happy my path led me to human resources.

2. Which cartoon character do you love the most?

Tweety Bird! He’s the cutest and I’ve loved him since I was a little kid. So much so, when I was 16, I convinced my parents to let me get a tattoo of his likeness.

3. What was your favorite toy as a kid?

When I was 7 or 8 years old, by older brother gave me a patchwork mauve and purple elephant. I loved that stuffed animal to death, until it was literally falling apart at the seams.

4. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?

I have a pair of olive green / cognac / coffee leather, double-strap, chunky heel mary janes that are about 6 years old. I always look forward to fall weather when it’s time to wear those shoes again.

5. Can you play any instruments?

When I was younger, I played clarinet and piano. I didn’t keep them up, though, so now I can only read sheet music.

6. What is your favorite cereal?

Oatmeal made with Kashi Crunch Cereal so it still has a little bit of texture to it.

7. What’s your favorite flavor of Pringles?

Original. It’s the best for dipping, and the other flavors tend to be “too much.”

8. What is one thing that all of your love-interests have had in common?

They’re all travelers like me. I really enjoy visiting unfamiliar places, especially warm locales. I’m planning for a trip right now and dreaming about Punta Cana, the Maldives or Rio de Janeiro.

9. What are three things still left on your bucket list?

Go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower.

Ziplining at an uncomfortable height.

Go underwater in a submarine.

10. I’m happiest when:

I’m around genuine, positive energy. Even during a time, place or activity that should be “no fun,” the people around you can make for an enjoyable experience. It’s all about the attitude.

11. What I fear most:

Quitting. Failures are inevitable, but I always want to be improving and moving forward.

12. Favorite sports or pastimes:

This is the best time of year to be a sports fan! I love watching football – both pro (Falcons and Patriots) and college (Alabama) – though the new “roughing the passer” rule is really getting on my nerves. I like watching basketball and, since moving to Nashville, hockey too. The energy of Predators fans inside the arena is exciting and contagious. Let’s go Preds!

13. People would be surprised to know:

I enjoy cooking for people and trying new recipes and seeing people enjoy the food I’ve prepared. My specialties that people request over and over again are my garlic-parmesan asparagus and my cornbread. Although, with the latter, I really have to think about it when people ask for the recipe. I learned to make it “by feel” from my mother and grandmother without measuring the ingredients or timing it.

14. If I could do it all over again, I would:

Be more generous with myself and realize sooner it’s okay to make mistakes.

“Even during a time, place or activity that should be ‘no fun’, the people around you can make for an enjoyable experience. It’s all about the attitude.”